History of Python (original) (raw)
Last Updated : 4 Oct, 2025
Python is one of the most popular, high-level, general-purpose programming languages. It was created with a focus on code readability and allows developers to write concepts in fewer lines compared to C++ or Java.
Who Invented Python?
- Creator: Guido van Rossum
- Started: 1989, at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), Netherlands
- First Release: 1991
- Reason: Started as a hobby project during Christmas holidays
- Predecessor: Inspired by the ABC language, but Guido improved it by fixing its limitations
Why is it called Python?
- Named after the BBC comedy series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”
- Guido wanted a name that was short, unique, and a little mysterious
- He served as Python’s BDFL (Benevolent Dictator for Life) until 2018
- Worked at Google and later at Dropbox
Evolution of Python
When first released, Python already supported:
- Classes with inheritance
- Core data types
- Exception handling
- Functions
**Key Versions:
- Python 2.x → Popular for many years, but now outdated
- Python 3.x → Current standard, actively developed
- Latest Version: Python 3.12.1 (as of now)
Popularity and Usage
Python is widely used for:
- Web development
- Scripting and automation
- Software testing
- Data science and machine learning
Top companies using Python: Google, Dropbox, Mozilla, IBM, Cisco, Qualcomm, Quora, HP
In 2022, the Anaconda Foundation introduced PyScript, allowing Python code to run directly in the browser (similar to JavaScript).
Influence on Other Languages
Python has inspired many modern languages, such as:
- Ruby
- Swift
- Go
- Julia
- Groovy
- CoffeeScript
- ECMAScript
- OCaml
- Boo
- Cobra